Detestable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คฎ
detestable
[dษชหtษstษbษl ]
Definition
feeling
Deserving intense dislike. Very unpleasant or offensive. Hateful. Abominable.
Synonyms
abominable, despicable, hateful, odious, repugnant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| detestable |
This word is used to describe something that is so unpleasant or offensive that it deserves to be hated.
|
| hateful |
Employed to describe actions, words, or attitudes that are full of hate or invoke a strong feeling of hatred in others.
|
| abominable |
Used in situations where something is exceptionally bad or disgusting, often implying a sense of moral indignation.
|
| despicable |
Applied to actions or behaviors that are morally contemptible or beneath humanity. This word carries a strong negative sentiment.
|
| odious |
Used to describe something extremely unpleasant or causing intense dislike, often related to moral judgment.
|
| repugnant |
Used to describe something that is extremely distasteful or offensive, invoking a sense of strong disgust.
|
Examples of usage
- It's a detestable smell.
- His behavior was absolutely detestable.
- The detestable actions of the criminal shocked the community.
- The detestable act of violence left a lasting impact on the victim.
- The detestable remarks made by the politician caused outrage.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In classic literature, characters often express detestable traits to highlight conflicts or moral lessons.
- Many villains are described with terms like 'detestable' to evoke strong emotional reactions from the audience.
- Shakespeare used this term in various plays to depict characters' strong aversion to others or their actions.
Psychology
- The feeling of distaste can be associated with personal values, where something detestable violates one's morals.
- Strong detest can sometimes lead to aggression or hostility, emphasizing the depth of human emotions.
- On a psychological level, detestable experiences can strongly influence a person's behavior and choices.
Pop Culture
- In various movies and shows, certain characters are often portrayed as detestable to provide comic relief or moralistic plots.
- Reality shows often focus on detestable behavior for dramatic tension among contestants.
- Social media amplifies detestable attitudes, giving a platform to express disdain toward trends, celebrities, or public figures.
Philosophy
- Philosophers have discussed the concept of detestability in the context of ethics, exploring what makes actions or ideas morally repugnant.
- Existentialists might argue that finding something detestable reveals individual values and beliefs about existence.
- The idea of detestability has been explored in the context of existential choices, highlighting freedom and responsibility in aversion.
Origin of 'detestable'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the Latin word 'detestari', which means to detest or to curse.
- The prefix 'de-' implies a removal or reversal, combined with 'testari' meaning to bear witness, suggesting a strong rejection.
- The word has been used in English since the late 14th century, emphasizing strong disapproval.
The word 'detestable' originated from the Latin word 'detestabilis' which means deserving to be cursed. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in the English language. The term has been used in literature and everyday language to express intense dislike and aversion towards something or someone. The concept of detestable behavior or actions has been a recurring theme in moral and ethical discussions throughout history.
See also: detestably, detestation.